Supply teaching has many advantages over teaching full time such as being able to work the days that you want to work and not having to be involved with the statutory testing and recording of data that goes hand in hand with teaching currently. Some supply teachers get the opportunity to take on long term supply cover perhaps because a teacher is absent because of a long term health issue or has been seconded to a different post and the school leaders feel that having one supply teacher for the whole period give the class some continuity. So, what are the pros and cons of this for the individual?
One of the major advantages is having a regular salary. As supply teachers are still paid according to the grade they are on, and their pay includes holidays the amount that a long term supply teacher receives can be very good.
Another advantage, and something that supply teachers often say they miss, is the opportunity to be part of the school community again and take part in the day to day running of the school.
The disadvantage of doing long term supply is that you are then committed to working every day and do not have the freedom of being able to work the days you want and of course you may be required to administer any testing and other assessments that are necessary.
